Rafael Soriano

The Cubs have cut the deficit against their longtime National League Central rivals to single digits while playing meaningful games in September for the first time in six seasons with an influx of high-ceiling talent.

"It's not just St. Louis," said reliever Jason Motte, who spent 61/2 seasons with the Cardinals before being part of the Cubs' renaissance. "It's happening here, where guys are coming up to help."

Graduation from the minor leagues occurred quickly for Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber, all of whom have played major roles in the Cubs' blossoming into National League playoff contenders.

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The Cubs have cut the deficit against their longtime National League Central rivals to single digits while playing meaningful games in September for the first time in six seasons with an influx of high-ceiling talent.
"It's not just St. Louis," said...

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The Tampa Bay Rays have claimed outfielder Daniel Nava off waivers from the Boston Red Sox and optioned outfielder Mikie Mahtook to triple-A Durham.
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Screaming foul balls and helicoptering shards of bats, specifically.
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The Cubs dropped a 5-3, 10-inning decision to the lowly Phillies as Jeff Francoeur hit a two-run homer off reliever Rafael Soriano in the 10th inning Friday at Wrigley Field.
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The Cubs overcame a 5-0 deficit with five runs in the third inning Wednesday night — capped by a two-run, pinch-hit single from Kris Bryant. Pinch-hitter Taylor Teagarden singled in the game winner with two out in the ninth off All-Star closer Aroldis...

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CINCINNATI — Instead of being asked to fetch beverages for veteran players or being singled out for costume-theme trips, Cubs rookies have been treated as if they're veterans.
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Meeting new teammates and reporters Monday in Cincinnati, new Cubs reliever Rafael Soriano vowed to simply do his job.
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"I'm here to help the young guys and help these guys win,'' Soriano said.
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In another sign that the Cubs have changed in a big way and for the better, Theo Epstein just played his “Get Out of Edwin Jackson Free’’ card.
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Manager Joe Maddon believes it could take eight appearances for Rafael Soriano to be ready to join the Chicago Cubs.
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Anthony Rizzo took rookie Kris Bryant under his wing this spring, and the mentorship paid off for both Monday night when they were named to the National League All-Star team.
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